Frequently Asked Questions

The nurses at Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic are always available - via email, phone or in person - to discuss any concerns or questions you have about laser, services, efficacy and what to expect during and after treatments.

Every person is unique, so in order to provide an accurate and thorough personalised assessment we recommend booking an initial consultation with one of our friendly nurses.

Some general frequently asked questions follow:

Why is Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic the best choice for your cosmetic treatments?

There are 3 main reasons that set Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic apart from the competition:

We guarantee the most advanced lasers available today. Our lasers are amongst the very best ever designed, found only in the most exclusive clinics around the world. All our machines carry approval by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). The result for you is safe and effective treatments, best possible results, and minimised discomfort all within the shortest timeframe.All treatments at Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic are performed by highly trained registered nurses. Because the use of laser and IPL in Victoria is unregulated, we believe a safe place should exist to receive laser treatment. A place where safety is the highest priority and where staff are highly trained, conscientious and thorough in their patient assessments and treatments. Nurses are particularly suited to the laser industry as they are exceptionally safety conscious and are concerned only with achieving the best possible outcome for their patients. Safety should be the number one priority when dealing with laser and light-based therapies, therefore our policy is to solely employ registered nurses with specialised training in laser and light therapies and injectables. Some of our nurses are additionally trained in cosmetic nursing and dermal therapy. Nurses come with a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, safe patient care and confidentiality. Patient safety is always our number one priority.We provide exceptional value for money. Laser services are generally very expensive in response to the high costs involved with purchasing and operating machines. Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic has set itself apart from the competition by ensuring prices are kept to a minimum. As one of Australia’s best value providers these life changing services are now available to everyone.

Can anyone operate a laser?

Because laser and IPL is currently unregulated in the state of Victoria, at this time there are no restrictions on who can operate a laser. In most other states there is a minimum training requirement and certification in Laser Safety, and In WA only Doctors are allowed to operate lasers. It is likely that Victoria will soon regulate the use of lasers specifically to persons with Laser Safety certification as a minimum. For now, it is the responsibility of the consumer to be conscientious in their choice of provider, ensuring that they are treated by an operator with adequate training, qualifications and reputation.

Is laser dangerous? Can it cause cancer?

No. Laser has been used for several decades with no evidence of negative health effects, it is not dangerous when operated by well trained personnel. The main danger presented by laser is to the eye, specifically the retina. Protective goggles must be worn at all times by both the client and the operator. Laser is potentially damaging to the skin, particularly the surface of the skin, if used incorrectly. A high setting over an established tan could burn the skin for example. However when laser is used correctly by well educated operators it is not dangerous, it is simply a single wavelength of light. The 755nm wavelength which is used for hair reduction, is found within the normal visible light range, encountered every time we are near a light bulb, or outside under the sun. Laser is this same single wavelength just focused and at high intensity.

Will it affect my lymph-nodes, or other things beneath my skin?

No. The light generated by laser is not able to penetrate beyond the skin. It is not able to reach organs, lymph-nodes or any other structures beneath the skin.

Does it hurt?

The level of discomfort is dependant on the treatment being performed. Generally speaking, the greater the problem being treated, the more discomfort there will be. However we work very hard to ensure treatments are as comfortable as possible. All lasers at Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic come with an in-built system for reducing discomfort, and topical anaesthetic can be applied when required. As a guide, this list outlines the general level of discomfort experienced during various treatments:

Permanent hair reduction: The Candela GentleMax Pro is equipped with Candela’s patented ‘Dynamic Cooling Device’, which is a pressurised super-cooled gas that is released onto the skin simultaneously as the laser is fired. This makes our treatments much more comfortable than with the majority of other lasers. All our clients state that laser hair removal is significantly less painful than waxing, regardless of the amount of hair. Treatments will become more comfortable with each subsequent visit due to the reduced amount of hair being targeted by the laser. If clients are comfortable with the first treatment then all subsequent treatments will be easily tolerated.

Broken capillaries: Thanks to the ‘Dynamic Cooling Device’ on our Candela GentleMax Pro, this treatment is only mildly uncomfortable.

Diffuse redness: There is no discomfort whatsoever.

Spider veins: This treatments is relatively uncomfortable, however the discomfort is only for a fraction of a second with each pulse. To cover a centimetre long vessel approximately 4-5 pulses would be required.

Skin tightening with radio frequency: There is no discomfort whatsoever.

Pigmentation removal: This is mildly uncomfortable as a result of the need to heat the pigment on the surface of the skin. Clients will experience a hot sensation that will last for only a fraction of a second.

Nano-Fractional and eTwo treatments: Topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) is applied in conjunction with these treatments so clients experience very little discomfort.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): Topical anaesthetic is applied when performing PRP treatments, however there may be a slight stinging sensation when the PRP is injected.

Acne treatments with IPL: Only mildly uncomfortable for a fraction of a second. Treatments usually take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Skin rejuvenation with IPL: Ranges from not uncomfortable at all, to mildly uncomfortable depending on the individual. Treatments usually take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Tattoo removal: This treatment is uncomfortable regardless of which machine is used. However, the Tri-Beam used at Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic is the fastest Q-Switch Nd:YAG available anywhere in the world resulting in very rapid treatments. The length of time clients experience discomfort is dramatically reduced compared to other machines.

Are all lasers the same?

There are many different lasers available today. It is concerning that anyone may purchase a cheap, low-quality laser online. Many lasers have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), so their safety and efficacy is unknown. Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic uses only the very best medical-grade lasers approved by the TGA and FDA.

What is the difference between IPL and Laser?

There are many differences between IPL and laser. The light that comes from IPL is ‘whole’ light - the same kind of light you get from a light bulb, but at high intensity. It is ‘incoherent’ light, meaning it is unable to be focussed. This results in the light being less targeted, so when this light enters the skin it will scatter in many directions. Also, because it contains many hundreds of wavelengths it is attracted to several things within the skin all at once. When trying to treat a hair follicle that sits some distance into the skin, it is very difficult to get enough heat specifically inside the follicle without heating up various other elements in the skin such as water molecules, haemoglobin or melanin/pigmentation in the skin. This makes IPL very difficult to use for hair removal. The operator must be highly skilled in order to be able to go high enough to permanently destroy the hair follicle, but not so high that they will burn the skin. IPL is useful for certain skin treatments such as general skin rejuvenation, acne treatments and it is quite useful for some vascular conditions. However results are highly dependent on the skill and competency of the operator.

Lasers, by comparison, are able to emit a beam of light-energy in a single wavelength. This single wavelength is chosen depending on what is being treated. Laser light is able to stay focused, even after it penetrates the skin, meaning it can be directed exactly where required and maintain focus right to the depth of the target. Using just one wavelength of light assures that we are targeting just one thing, allowing the joules (energy) to be high without affecting anything else within the skin.

Unfortunately in the State of Victoria there is no legislation prohibiting people from calling an IPL machine a “laser”, resulting in many clients believing they have had laser hair reduction when in fact it has been performed with IPL.

Who can have laser treatments?

All healthy individuals without any major medical conditions, who are not taking photosensitising medication (such as Roaccutaine) and who are without allergies or sensitivities to light are able to receive laser treatments. Different treatments have different contraindications, there are a number of medical conditions that may exclude clients from being eligible for treatment. This will be thoroughly discussed with a registered nurse during your initial consultation. For example, radio frequency treatments cannot be used on individuals with a pacemaker. Treatments that penetrate the skin, such as PRP or nano-fractional, cannot be used on individuals with blood-clotting disorders, or whom require anti-coagulation therapy. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and the clinic does not treat individuals who are pregnant.

Why can’t I have laser if I am pregnant?

There is no evidence to show that laser is dangerous to a developing foetus, if treatments were performed before a pregnancy was realised it would not be cause for concern. Laser light only enters the top layers of the skin and therefore cannot penetrate to the depth of a developing foetus. It is the industry standard to exclude pregnant women from treatments as a precaution.

Can all hair and skin types be treated?

Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic is the only clinic in Gippsland capable of safely performing hair reduction treatments on all skin types - including dark and very dark skin types. Laser works best on dark coarse hair and is not effective at all on grey hair or very blonde hair.

Which area of the body can be treated with laser?

Every area of the body can be treated with laser, however permanent hair removal is not recommended for the underside of the eyebrow due to it’s close proximity to the eye. Some laser treatments are not recommended over implants and metal plates. Our nurses will be able to advise on what is safe for your particular medical history and concerns.

Why is laser the ultimate choice for hair removal?

Common methods for hair removal (waxing, shaving, plucking, etc) are only temporary solutions. The hair will always grow back regardless of how many times these treatments are performed. Laser hair removal permanently destroys the hair follicle, preventing it from ever producing hair again. In the long run that saves plenty of time and money.

How does laser stop hair from growing back?

Laser energy at certain wavelengths is highly attracted to dark pigment (melanin). When the laser is pulsed over an area containing hair follicles it is attracted to the dark pigment found within the hair shaft. When absorbed by this pigment, the light energy converts to heat energy. This heat damages the follicle wall as well as destroying the small blood vessel at the base of the active hair. Without an adequate blood supply, and with damage sustained to the follicle itself, the follicle is no longer able to survive or produce hair. The hair will die and shed, and the follicle will be reabsorbed.

How many treatments will I need for permanent hair reduction?

How many treatments are required is dependent on many factors including the type of hair growth, it’s location, the age of the client, hormonal influences, medical conditions, medications and genetics. Every individual is unique and therefore results are variable. For most people 4 - 8 treatments will achieve a reduction of 90% or greater. However certain types of hair growth, such as that found on the face resulting from PCOS or another hormonal imbalance, will require ongoing maintenance treatments indefinitely as the unresolved hormonal issue will continue to stimulate dormant follicles into developing new hair. All hormonally controlled areas such as underarms, bikini/Brazilian and face, male back and chest will need maintenance treatments from time to time after the initial 4-8 treatments due to the effect of hormones. On these parts of the body it is common to have dormant hair follicles that lie within the skin without producing hair until the right hormonal environment is present. This means that during the initial treatments, not all of the follicles may be producing hair at the time. Any follicles that are currently producing hair can easily be destroyed but those that have not yet begun to produce hair cannot be targeted, and therefore cannot be prophylactically or preemptively treated.

If laser destroys the follicle, why do I need more treatments?

It is not possible to treat all the hairs in just a few treatments. This is because we have to work with the body's natural hair-growth cycle. At any given time hair will be in one of three stages: Growing, Transitioning or Resting. On the day of treatment, only follicles containing actively growing hairs can be terminated because these hairs are seated deeply in the follicle, they have a large root or ‘bulge’ and they are firmly connected to a blood supply - this means that the energy that is absorbed by the hair will be delivered deep into the follicle, destroying not only the follicle wall but also the connected blood supply. The hairs which are transitioning or resting no longer sit within the follicle. They have an atrophied (shrunken) root or ‘bulge’ and they are no longer connected to a blood supply. For this reason, any energy absorbed by these hairs will have little effect on the follicle or it’s blood supply. Multiple treatments are required to catch all of the hairs as they cycle into the active growing phase. It is important that clients adhere to recommended treatment schedules to ensure treatment of the greatest number of growing hairs at each session.

What are the small bumps that form a short time after treatments?

This is called Peri-Follicular Oedema (PFO). It is due to small localised swelling that occurs at the follicle when it has been significantly damaged with laser. This is a positive sign that the treatment has gone well, and should result in good hair loss. Not all people will experience this however. People that have little, or no PFO can still get great results. FPO usually resolves within several minutes to a few hours. In some rare cases may take one or more days to completely resolve.

Why do small red circles sometimes appear during, and for a short time after treatments?

This is just due to the skin reacting to the high pressure and intense cold of the cooling spray. This will usually resolve within a few minutes to hours.

Why is it OK to shave, but not OK to wax or pluck the area?

A hair needs to be sitting in the follicle at the time of treatment. If the hair is waxed or plucked, it is pulled from the follicle eliminating the target required by the laser to affect the follicle. The aim of laser is to get the light to absorb into the hair shaft beneath the skin, which imparts heat onto the follicle and the capillary at the base of the hair. This cannot occur if the hair is missing. Clients may shave, trim, or use depilatory creams as frequently as they like but must not wax or pluck.

Can I stop my laser treatments and recommence them at a later date?

Yes, there is no problem in doing this. Obviously for superior results it is best to follow the recommended treatment plan of 4 - 8 treatments, usually separated by 4 - 6 weeks depending on the body area. However if a client requires a break for some reason (e.g. unavoidable tanning due to a holiday, travelling overseas, pregnancy, etc) there is no issue with this.

Why can’t I get a tan or spray tan before getting laser hair removal?

Tanning of the skin, whether natural or artificial, creates dark pigment in or on the surface of the skin. The laser light will be attracted to this, in the same way it is attracted to the dark pigment in the hair, resulting in potential problems. Firstly, a reduction in the efficacy of the treatment, and secondly, a high risk of injuring or burning the skin. It is ideal to have 6 weeks away from proper sun exposure to the area which, in most cases, will have seen the tan diminish sufficiently. Spray tans and other tanning products may be used but must be completely removed before each treatment.

Why can’t I get rid of my white, grey, or blonde hair?

Laser is a single wavelength of light and, like all light, it is attracted to dark material and reflected away from light material. A white, grey or blonde hair will not absorb the light emitted by the laser because of the absence of dark pigment and therefore will not heat up enough to elicit a destructive affect on the follicle and blood supply.

Why do some areas of the body require less maintenance than others when it comes to laser hair removal?

The amount of maintenance required depends greatly on hormones. The main hormonally affected areas on the female body are the face (cheeks, chin, upper lip and neck area), areola, underarms, brazilian and to a lesser extent the abdomen and the back of the thighs. The situation is the same for men in their hormonally controlled areas, namely the face & neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen and brazilian area. In these areas there are many follicles in reserve that may not be producing a hair at the time of treatment.

Genetics also play a part. Some people are genetically prone to having many follicles in reserve while others only have a few. We aspire to achieve a reduction of 90%, or greater, within the expected 4 - 8 treatment period but maintenance will be required ongoing due to subtle changes in hormone levels that will stimulate follicles that were previously not producing hair. How often is dependant on the individual - specifically, how frequently their hormones shift. Many clients see years go by between treatments, while others may require more within months.

It is especially difficult to achieve long periods between maintenance for young men dealing with back, chest and abdomen hair. This is due to the fact that men will not develop all their body hair until they are into their fifth or sixth decade. For example, when a man in his twenties receives treatment he is captured at a certain stage of his development where a certain number of follicles are active. It is inevitable that more follicles will switch on as he ages, and start producing hair. All male clients need to be aware that there is no distinct end to treatments on those particular parts of the body as follicles will continually be stimulated by rising testosterone levels over the decades. However, men can be assured that laser is still the best means of controlling their body hair because the hair that is actively growing at the time of treatment is still being destroyed. So while we can’t preemptively prevent what is yet to grow, we will always be reducing the hair not just maintaining the same level as is the case with waxing and shaving.